So I have been CO washing and using only sulfate free and silicone free conditioners. My hair, especially at the roots, is so sticky and heavy. I can't even run my fingers through it! I am using VO5 clarifying conditioner for Cowashing (silicone and sulfate free), then L'Oreal sulfate and silicone free conditioner for after my cowashing to detangle.
Then only a Herbal essence gel (silicone free).

I thought my hair just needed some clarifying, so I did the Baking soda and vinegar rinse last week. My hair felt great after that, kinda dry, but much improved. Now today, I just did my first CoWash since then and the sticky, heavy feel is back! Just after 1 co wash!! Helpppppppp!

I am a newbie. I think I am a 2b. I have been blowdrying and straightening my hair for the last 15 years. Trying to embrace the REAL ME.

i am not familiar with the products you use, but it sounds like you need to switch it up.
you can use a low poo, they do not have sulfates, only mild surfactants that clean without stripping your hair. i low poo maybe once every 5 days, co wash the other days.

i am not familiar with the products you use, but it sounds like you need to switch it up.
you can use a low poo, they do not have sulfates, only mild surfactants that clean without stripping your hair. i low poo maybe once every 5 days, co wash the other days.

Originally Posted by rbb

Yes, I was thinking I might need to run to the store and get some different conditioner. Just so bummed that a "clarifying conditioner" is leaving my hair so limp, heavy, and sticky!
I was really hoping to give cowashing a real try, so I am going to try to not give up and buy a low poo for now.

Any other ideas what it could be? I guess since I am only really using 3 things, and only 1 thing at my roots (the VO5) it has to be that, huh?

I am a newbie. I think I am a 2b. I have been blowdrying and straightening my hair for the last 15 years. Trying to embrace the REAL ME.

I have this problem with Suave and V05 conditioners. I have tried multiple from each brand. I blamed co-washing in general and for the past two weeks have been doing low-poo every three days or so and just water washing in between. However, I still get the sticky roots feeling after two days without low-pooing (which is about the amount of time it would take if I was co-washing). So now I'm starting to suspect it's my head's fault and not my cleansing? Or maybe another product?

Okay, long story short: you are not alone in this problem. And please post an update if you find something that works for you, I'll be interested in trying it out myself!

I have this problem with Suave and V05 conditioners. I have tried multiple from each brand. I blamed co-washing in general and for the past two weeks have been doing low-poo every three days or so and just water washing in between. However, I still get the sticky roots feeling after two days without low-pooing (which is about the amount of time it would take if I was co-washing). So now I'm starting to suspect it's my head's fault and not my cleansing? Or maybe another product?

Okay, long story short: you are not alone in this problem. And please post an update if you find something that works for you, I'll be interested in trying it out myself!

Originally Posted by flippacious

+1 for low poos

I get the sticky roots with excessive co washing. I have to low poo once a week. I use Deva NoPoo as my cowash and Kinky Curly Come Clean as my low poo